Open a Purple account in minutes. Banking built for people with disabilities.
Michigan • Sensory
People in Michigan with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid and State Disability Assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Michigan, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and assets, and be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability, a work history, and meet the 20/40 work credit rule. Deaf-Blindness is recognized as a qualifying disability under both programs. The SSA defines disability as a condition that prevents substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Children with Deaf-Blindness may also qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security benefits[5].
In Michigan, people with Deaf-Blindness may also qualify for state programs such as State Disability Assistance (SDA) and Medicaid. SDA provides cash assistance to adults with disabilities, those 65+, or caretakers of disabled individuals. Eligibility for SDA requires U.S. citizenship or qualified legal immigrant status, Michigan residency, and meeting income and asset limits. Medicaid provides health coverage for those with chronic or disabling conditions, including Deaf-Blindness. Michigan also offers a state supplement to SSI for eligible residents, which can increase monthly benefits. To qualify for these programs, you must meet both federal and state-specific requirements[2][4][7].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other means-tested benefits. Michigan residents with Deaf-Blindness may open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. For more information, visit the Michigan ABLE account program website[3].
It is important to report any changes in income, assets, or living arrangements to Social Security and MDHHS. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, contact Social Security or MDHHS immediately to discuss repayment options. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes[2].
Contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work (B2W) Coach for personalized help with work and benefits questions. They can help you understand how Social Security disability benefits and other public benefits are impacted by work[6].
Yes, you may qualify for both SSI and SSDI if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI’s financial requirements. This is called concurrent benefits. SSI can help make up the difference if your SSDI payment is below the SSI maximum[2].
The SGA limit for blind individuals in 2025 is expected to be $2,550 per month. Earning above this limit may affect your SSDI eligibility. This limit allows you to earn more while still receiving benefits[1][5].
You can apply for Medicaid in Michigan online through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website or at a local MDHHS office. SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid[2][7].
SDA provides cash assistance to adults with disabilities, those 65+, or caretakers of disabled individuals. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or qualified legal immigrant status, Michigan residency, and meeting income and asset limits[4][7].
Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. The SGA limit for blind individuals in 2025 is expected to be $2,550 per month. For more information, see the guide on SSI & SSDI work incentives[1][5].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other means-tested benefits. Michigan residents with Deaf-Blindness may open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized assistance.
If your application for SSI, SSDI, or SDA is denied, you can appeal the decision. Contact Social Security or MDHHS for information on the appeals process. Consider consulting a benefits specialist or attorney for help[2][4].
You will need medical records from licensed professionals confirming your diagnosis of Deaf-Blindness. This may include audiograms, vision exams, and reports from specialists. These documents are required for SSI, SSDI, and SDA applications[5].
Yes, children with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security benefits. Benefits can continue after age 18 if the child has a qualifying disability[5].
SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and assets. SSDI is based on work history and Social Security taxes paid. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness[2][5].
